Dig 6-8 inches around circumference of plant and as deep as you can, try to keep the root mass intact. If evaluating more than 1 hybrid or trait, make sure you label each plant with a water resistant marker.

Soak roots in bucket for 15 minutes.If rootworm pressure is severe you will see them floating in the bucket.

Wash the soil from the roots with a pressure washer. Stand back 3 feet when using pressure washer.We want to remove the soil to evaluate damage from rootworms, not the pressure washer.

Rootworm feeding can cause yield loss with increased lodging, inhibit water and nutrient uptake to the plant, plus provides an entry point for secondary pathogen’s into the plant. If more than one node is eaten off with each root on the node 1.5 inches or less, best management practices should be implemented the following year:

We have been lucky past few years with frequent timely rains to help roots regenerate if fed on by rootworm larvae. If we experience a dryer than normal year these roots will not have the moisture to regenerate and we will see very high yield losses and stand-ability issues as in years past. If there is a field that has had issues in the past or multiple years of corn after corn, planting a Genuity® SmartStax® hybrid with 2 modes of action against rootworms in combination with LG Seeds high yielding hybrids will provide optimum protection and yield potential!

Note: The information in this issue is based upon field observations and third party information. Since variations in local conditions may affect the information and suggestions contained in this issue, LG Seeds disclaims legal responsibility therefore. Always read and follow label instructions.
Genuity®, SmartStax®and VT Double Pro® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology, LLC.
All pictures are courtesy of Steve Crafton, LG Seeds.
LG Seeds and design are trademarks of SCA Limagrain.